Gwen Caroline Pierson

Gwen Caroline Pierson, age 69, of Columbia Heights, Minnesota, passed away on August 24, 2025, at North Memorial Health Hospital in Robbinsdale, MN, with her son faithfully by her side. She was born on October 5, 1955, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the beloved daughter of Gretchen Caroline (Benson) Maine and Robert Claire Pierson. Gwen grew up with a fiery spirit, a warm heart, and a love for her family that guided her throughout her life. She graduated from Edison High School in 1973 and dedicated her career to Minneapolis Public Schools Special District #1, serving in many different capacities as an administrator. Gwen was a woman of strength, resilience, and humor. She was unapologetically herself and never failed to make those around her laugh. Yet beneath her sass was an incredibly tender soul who showed her love through hugs, kisses, and affection every single day. She found joy in the simple things-spending time with her children, crocheting, and engaging in various arts and crafts like scrapbooking and journaling. Her other pastimes included going to the casino and playing bingo with family and friends. Despite facing many health challenges, Gwen remained defiant and strong, fighting through obstacles that would have broken most. After surviving a life-threatening fungal infection that attacked her spine, she came home after nine long months -a moment her family remembers as nothing short of a miracle. Her determination and will to live were an inspiration to all who knew her. Gwen is survived by her loving children, Tara (Charles) Simoneau and Eric Simoneau; her brothers, David (Elizabeth) Pierson, Thomas (Mary) Pierson, Gary (the late Letitia) Pierson; and many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Gretchen Maine and Robert Pierson; her stepfather, Rex Maine; her brother, Daniel Pierson; and her sister-in-law, Letitia Pierson. She will be remembered always for her fierce love, unshakable strength, sense of humor, and the joy she brought into the lives of those fortunate enough to know her. She was a wonderful, beautiful, vibrant woman who is loved by many and will be missed by all. A memorial service to celebrate Gwen's life will be held at Washburn-McReavy Funeral Chapel, 4101 Central Ave NE, MN, 55421 in Columbia Heights on Friday, September 5th, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. CST with visitation one hour prior. Interment will take place at the Hillside Cemetery, 2600 19th Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418, with a luncheon to follow. Further details for the luncheon will be announced later.